The US military is shifting its approach in Africa, emphasizing that fragile allies must prepare to manage their own security.
At the African Lion exercise, the continent’s largest joint military drill, Gen. Michael Langley highlighted the need for partners to operate independently.
“Forces need to share the burden,” Langley said on the final day of the four-week event involving troops from over 40 countries.
The exercise featured drone flights, close-quarters combat simulations, and satellite-guided rocket launches across desert terrain.
Unlike previous years, the messaging now focuses less on governance and development, and more on building local military capacity.
Langley explained that this reflects priorities under the Trump-era Defense Department, which focuses on homeland protection and expects allies to contribute globally.
This strategic shift comes amid growing Chinese and Russian influence across Africa, with China running training programs and Russian mercenaries expanding their presence.
Langley previously championed a “whole of government” approach, linking military efforts with diplomacy and development to counter insurgencies.
However, recent US messaging sidelines that approach despite successes like Ivory Coast, where combined efforts reduced jihadi attacks.
Meanwhile, insurgencies continue to grow in Africa, with al-Qaida and Islamic State affiliates increasingly active across the continent.
Scaling back in Sahel
Despite US military presence and airstrikes, many African armies remain ill-equipped and unable to fully control their territories.
“The Somali National Army is trying to find their way,” Langley said, admitting challenges remain despite some progress.
In West Africa’s Sahel, local militaries lack strong air forces and infrastructure to track militants, while Western powers have scaled back their presence.
Security experts warn that rising violence risks spreading beyond current hotspots, underscoring the urgency of building local capacity.
The US military’s evolving posture reflects a cautious withdrawal, leaving African partners with greater responsibility amid a shifting global power contest.
